Five Oregon State University fraternity members were arrested Sunday night after they allegedly cut down a tree at the Harding Center, 510 N.W. 31st St.
Police were patrolling the area when they noticed three males running and then hiding behind a large bush in front of the building. The three admitted to cutting down a 20-foot blue spruce along with two other young men, police said.
Conor Bettendorf, 18, of Beaverton, and Jacob Peterson, 19, Conner Slater, 18, Michael Meade, 19, and Michael Carroll, 19, all of Corvallis, were arrested for first-degree criminal mischief. Police said they are all members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and live at the fraternity house at 2929 Harrison Blvd.
“They wanted to use it as their Christmas tree,” Sgt. Jef Van Arsdall said.
The Harding Center houses several programs for the Corvallis School District, including the alternative College Hill High School, a work experience program and the Central Instructional Media Center.
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Kathee Kunke, operations assistant for College Hill, said the district is looking to donate the tree.
“It’s really sad and unfortunate that kids have to do these kinds of things,” she said.
No one answered the phone Monday at the fraternity house.